Arch Linux

EmbraceThePenguin

Member

From: New Mexico, USA

Registered: 2004-08-09

Posts: 197

Question about Dual Monitors

Well, I was thinking about getting another LCD monitor for my setup so I can have, theoretically, a ~40in wide monitor. Currently, I have a 19in NEC LCD with a max resolution of 1280x1024.

My questions are:

1. Will I be able to specify a larger resolution than 1280x1024 with 2 monitors, thereby increasing my desktop realestate?

2. Will games like UT2004, Quake4, Doom3, ET, and Cedega based games be able to take advantage of the larger "Screen" size?

3. Will I loose performance in games because my single GeForce 7800gtx now has to feed 2 monitors with graphics data?

4. Will I be able to move windows to the other half of the screen on the desktop, or will the second monitor be another desktop totally?

I saw on a Gentoo wiki how to set it up, so that should not be an issue. I was just wondering about the above questions.

Thanks!!!

Joe

xaos5

Member

Registered: 2005-12-30

Posts: 75

Re: Question about Dual Monitors

only limitations to resolution should be from your monitors and xinerama/twinview. You might see a few fps drop (1-3 maybe). If you set it up from the gentoo wiki, it should work like one monitor where you can drag stuff across both (xorg sees it as 2560x1024). If the game supports dual monitors it should take advantage of it, not sure on that one though. A side note, make sure everything is compiled with xinerama support.

EmbraceThePenguin

Member

From: New Mexico, USA

Registered: 2004-08-09

Posts: 197

Re: Question about Dual Monitors

only limitations to resolution should be from your monitors and xinerama/twinview. You might see a few fps drop (1-3 maybe). If you set it up from the gentoo wiki, it should work like one monitor where you can drag stuff across both (xorg sees it as 2560x1024). If the game supports dual monitors it should take advantage of it, not sure on that one though. A side note, make sure everything is compiled with xinerama support.

Well, I am still going to use the Arch software, so I don't know for sure if the Xinerama support is in there, but I would assume it is seeing that Arch is pretty thorough in making packages.

Thanks for the reply!!!

Joe

xaos5

Member

Registered: 2005-12-30

Posts: 75

Re: Question about Dual Monitors

Well, I am still going to use the Arch software, so I don't know for sure if the Xinerama support is in there, but I would assume it is seeing that Arch is pretty thorough in making packages.

Thanks for the reply!!!

Joe

Even if it doesn't you can always compile with abs.

paranoos

Member

From: thornhill.on.ca

Registered: 2004-07-22

Posts: 442

Re: Question about Dual Monitors

playing quake 4 on two monitors would be a pain in the butt. half your crosshair will be on one screen. it would be difficult to aim. unless you somehow cross your eyes so that the two monitors overlap.

two screens are good for if you want to play a game, as well as find out if your girlfriend just signed on to icq, or keep a window with cheat codes open. heh

EmbraceThePenguin

Member

From: New Mexico, USA

Registered: 2004-08-09

Posts: 197

Re: Question about Dual Monitors

playing quake 4 on two monitors would be a pain in the butt. half your crosshair will be on one screen. it would be difficult to aim. unless you somehow cross your eyes so that the two monitors overlap.

two screens are good for if you want to play a game, as well as find out if your girlfriend just signed on to icq, or keep a window with cheat codes open. heh

HAHAHA... Yeah, I see what you mean. I went ahead and just bought a 24 in Dell 2405FPW. That seems to have solved my problems

Runs great in Linux and games and movies are simply awesome

Thanks!!!

Joe

xaos5

Member

Registered: 2005-12-30

Posts: 75

Re: Question about Dual Monitors

yep, I'm down to one 17" lcd from two 21" crts (imagine the space that saved). Next step i'm going is probably a 32" lcd once I get the money. My friend has a 37" with a 1900x1200 (not exact) native resolution and its beautiful. Of course I think to go from 32" to 37" you talking another 1000 dollars us.